Irvine, Calif. - With their backs against the wall, the Spirit came out locked in and carried the momentum from their elimination run straight into the championship. After dropping the first game of the tournament, OUAZ had now strung together four straight wins and they weren't slowing down.
Game 1 - OUAZ 4, Embry-Riddle 2
The offense set the tone early, stringing together timely hits to generate runs instead of relying on one big swing. A clutch RBI single got things started, followed by aggressive baserunning that helped push across another run. Later in the game, a well-placed extra-base hit extended the lead and created separation.
In the circle, the pitching staff stayed composed and efficient, limiting damage and trusting the defense behind them. The Spirit controlled the pace, played clean softball, and secured the win forcing a winner-take-all final.
Game 2 - OUAZ 9, Embry-Riddle 2
In the final game, the Spirit delivered their most complete performance of the tournament. Carrying confidence and nonstop dugout energy, OUAZ attacked early and never let up.
The scoring started with a hard-hit RBI single to bring in the first run, followed by a gap shot that plated another. A few innings later, the offense exploded again using a combination of base hits and situational hitting to drive in multiple runs and take full control. One of the biggest swings came on an RBI extra-base hit that cleared the bases and broke the game open.
Defensively, the Spirit stayed sharp, making key plays to shut down any momentum from Embry-Riddle. In the circle, dominant pitching sealed it keeping hitters off balance and closing out the game with confidence.
After dropping their opening game, the Spirit responded with four straight wins finishing the run the only way that mattered: as GSAC Champions, punching their ticket to the NAIA National Tournament.
